Ragnar knew that in the Spaces Wolves’ long history there were times when the Great Wolf of the time refused to aid or assist the Dark Angels and there were even limited engagements between the Chapters.
He was not sure why there were Dark Angels on Hyades but he knew the Wolfblade had to act.
“Magni, I want you to alert Commander Cadmus. Inform him that we have uninvited guests in the grounds, let him know that Haegr, Torin and I are moving to engage.” Ragnar instructed.
“But Ragnar you’re outnumbered you’ll need my—” Magni pleaded.
“Do as you’ve been instructed, pup.” Haegr interrupted. “There are only six of them, that’s barely enough for me,” he boasted.
Magni knew not to argue any further, more from the look he was receiving from Ragnar than from Haegr’s barking. He turned and ran back into the atrium.
Ragnar grabbed the handrail and leapt, swinging his legs over the railing and landing on the asphalt of the track, barely noticing the four-metre drop. Torin and Haegr followed immediately. Before they had hit the ground Ragnar was already at a full run across the parade ground.
The three Wolfblade crossed the parade ground in no time. Ragnar and Torin leapt over the foliage that a mere moment ago the Dark Angels intruders had been using for concealment.
Ragnar paused for an instant and took in the scent. From here it was no longer a faint hint, but a fully-fledged trail: one that he could easily follow. As Ragnar turned to Torin the foliage behind them erupted and Haegr crashed through.
“What are you standing here for? Let’s get moving,” Haegr said.
Ragnar and Torin exchanged a grin and moved to the corner of the palace that the Dark Angels had just gone around. Slowly Torin looked around the corner, but seeing nothing he turned and signalled the all clear. As he and Ragnar stepped out onto the walkway, the side of the palace wall exploded as bolter rounds peppered the corner. Torin took a hit to his arm, which spun him around and back. Seeing where the shots had come from, Haegr instantly opened fire. Although the target was well out of his pistol’s range, it gave Ragnar enough time to leap back behind the corner.
Torin was getting up from the ground.
“Are you all right, my friend?” Ragnar inquired.
“Armour stopped it cold, just caught me off guard. I won’t make that mistake again,” Torin answered.
Haegr continued shooting at their unseen adversaries. As he leaned out to fire another burst, Ragnar and Torin broke from cover and ran across the small courtyard to the large statue of a former governor of Hyades. There was no return fire. Haegr quickly joined his fellow Wolfblade battle-brothers.
Ragnar wasted no time. He rounded the base of the statue and sprinted towards the corner of the barracks. Flattening himself against the building wall, he quickly glanced around the corner just in time to see their Dark Angel assailant. Ragnar and the Dark Angel’s eyes locked, and in that quick glance more information was exchanged between the two warriors than could be exchanged in hours of conversation.
Ragnar knew that giving chase would lead them into an ambush. He had to find a way to gain the advantage. Turning, he ran back along the Administratum building’s wall, leapt up the entrance steps and crashed through the double doors. Torin and Haegr who were just behind him instantly adapted to the change in tactics and ran into the building after him.
Ragnar was in full combat mode. The Dark Angels should not be here. If they were here for legitimate reasons they would have observed standard Astartes protocol. The Chapter-wide distrust and hatred of these so-called Space Marines was proven. They had fired upon him and his brothers with no provocation. They were not the enemy, but they were not supposed to be here. They would live to regret their deceit.
Ragnar ran past the reception desk into a maze of corridors and hallways that had statues of long-dead city officials placed throughout. Using his genetically enhanced memory and intellect, he manoeuvred down several long corridors until he reached a door to a room that from his best estimate would lead to the opposite wall of the building. If he had got this right the Dark Angels would be on the other side.
Ragnar stopped at the door, grabbed the handle, and cautiously entered the room, trying to avoid being seen through the widows should the Dark Angels be where he suspected they were. Ragnar looked in upon what appeared to be a large conference room. A large table lined with high-backed chairs sat in the centre. There were three windows on the opposite wall, grand paintings adorning the walls between them. A large tapestry of the Holy Emperor hung from the wall at the end of the room. Skulls of previous adepts were stacked on shelves like books, while candles burned brightly from their corner holders, sending a wavering glow across the room. Ragnar spotted his adversaries through the middle window. They appeared to be setting up for an ambush.
Ragnar wasted no time. He leapt onto the table, took one additional step and then dived through the centre window. Glass and wood showered down onto the nearest Dark Angel. Landing on the Marine, Ragnar grappled him around the shoulders. Using Ragnar’s momentum, the Dark Angel threw Ragnar from his back and then tumbled across the ground and came up on one knee. Ragnar landed on all fours, crouching low, ready to strike.
Ragnar sized up his opponent. He had recovered nicely from his initial attack. The Dark Angel, now on one knee, glared at him, flung his cloak aside and drew his sword. The remaining five members of the Dark Angels squad were spread out behind his current prey, scrabbling to support their apparent leader. His attack had taken them all by surprise.
Now that he had accounted for them all, Ragnar once again returned his focus to his original foe. This Dark Angel appeared younger than he’d expected, but the service studs he wore indicated otherwise. The moment seemed like a lifetime as the two Astartes sized each other up, waiting for the right moment to strike. Tension built, stronger and stronger, and myomer muscles and tendons tightened and released. Finally the time came.
Thumbing the activation rune on his sword the Space Wolf leapt forward, his battle cry echoing through the courtyard. Raising his weapon high above his head, Ragnar brought it down in a swift killing blow towards the Dark Angel’s neck. His adversary had barely enough time to bring his own weapon up to parry the blow. The two swords crashed together and locked. The warriors struggled against each other, and their weapons sparked as each man tried to gain the advantage. The blades were crossed and locked at the hilts.
Ragnar leaned in, trying to force his blade down, while the Dark Angel kneeling below pushed up with all his might trying to keep Ragnar’s sword at bay. Ragnar knew that his opponent was determined and would not yield.
Torin leapt from the window that Ragnar had broken, followed closely by Haegr who made his own contribution to the remains of the wall as he forced his large frame through the makeshift opening.
Torin immediately assessed the situation. Ragnar had proven time and time again that he could take care of himself. However, there were at least five other Marines that needed to be dealt with.
Torin and Haegr flanked Ragnar on either side, protecting him should any of the Dark Angels try to overrun him. They would have to get through them first. Torin could make out five figures in the shadows.
Suddenly one of the Dark Angels was bathed in a faint bluish green glow. Torin immediately leapt to his right, barely evading the ball of plasma flame. The wall of the Administratum building burst into flames as the plasma erupted against it.
Torin watched as the Dark Angel stepped closer, ensuring that he would not miss a second time. The Dark Angel raised the plasma gun for a second shot. Suddenly the plasma gun began to glow first red and then white hot. Waves of electrical energy danced across the surface of the weapon and up the arms of the Marine, who began to convulse from the sudden surge of energy that the plasma weapon was discharging.
The technology behind plasma weapons was ancient and their devastating power made them highly effective in combat. However, that effectiveness came at a price. Sometimes
the massive energy was too much for the weapon to contain, and it would short circuit, overheat and then explode, sometimes taking the wielder with it.
This was not one of those times. The weapon exploded, engulfing its wielder in the blue-green flame of plasma fire and throwing him back and to the ground. His armour was scorched and melted in spots, but it was intact.
Haegr squared off against the remaining three Dark Angels, bolt pistol and sword ready.
“You should feel honoured, for it is Haegr you face and it will be Haegr who ends your days,” the Space Wolf bragged as he closed on the three Dark Angels.
Suddenly the entire courtyard was flooded with light, and the roar of military transports was deafening as several squads of the planetary defence forces surrounded the Astartes warriors.
“This is Commander Cadmus of the Hyades planetary defence forces. You are hereby ordered to lay down your weapons and surrender.” Cadmus’s voice echoed around the courtyard.
Ragnar was distracted for only an instant, but an instant was all that his opponent needed. With a surge of strength, he pushed Ragnar away, rolling to one side and onto his feet.
The six Dark Angels stood together, their backs to the wall surrounded by dozens of the planetary defence troops and three members of the Wolfblade.
Ragnar stood up and walked over to join Torin and Haegr. It was over.
“It’s time for some answers.” Ragnar stated as he walked towards the surrounded Dark Angels.
Suddenly the Wolfblade and the defence forces found themselves blinded by an intense white light. Then the ground shook so hard that Ragnar was knocked down, confused and disoriented.
“What in the name of the krakens of Fenris was that?” Ragnar heard Haegr shout.
“Blind grenades.” Torin shouted.
Blind grenades exploded with a blinding visible white flash. While the explosion did no physical damage, the bright burst of light could cause momentary or even permanent blindness to the unprotected eye. However, they also emitted an electronic pulse, designed to disrupt electrical and even neurological systems. This would cause even the optic in an Astartes helmet to temporarily cease to function.
It took several minutes for the effects of the Blind grenade to wear off, and Ragnar could see again. He stood up and looked around. Even though the Wolfblade were not wearing their helmets for protection, they were Space Marines, and their genetic gifts allowed them to recover their faculties quickly. Unfortunately the defence forces were not quite as lucky and even those with eye protection were affected. Several had fallen to their knees, sobbing, succumbing to the panic of the loss of their sight. Many walked around, arms stretched out in front of them, trying in vain to find their friends. Ragnar knew that the effects would wear off soon, and he turned his attention back to the matter at hand.
Cadmus walked past Ragnar towards where the Dark Angels had been standing. All three of the Space Wolves turned and followed. As they approached the area, the smoke began to clear, and they discovered what had caused the ground to tremble with such force. There was a two metre-wide hole in the ground where the Dark Angels had been standing.
“Where are they? Where did they go?” Haegr asked.
“Down there it would appear,” Torin replied, pointing to the large hole.
“Lethe was the site of the first promethium mines on Hyades, and although the ones below the city are exhausted and no longer in use, they still exist, and as the city grew they built right on top of those old mines. It would appear that our intruders made their own escape route,” Cadmus explained.
Ragnar knelt down to examine the makeshift escape route. The dirt was scattered around the outside of the hole in a circular pattern, with most of it gathered around the hole’s edge. Smoke still hung heavily in the air. The sick stench of promethium residue assaulted Ragnar’s senses.
“This looks more like something erupted out of the ground.” Ragnar stated.
“I would imagine that some sort of directional explosive, possibly a melta-bomb charge was placed on the ground, it burnt through the dirt and bedrock until it reached the abandoned mine, igniting the promethium fumes,” Cadmus explained.
“You seem to know a lot about how these intruders were able to escape, commander.” Torin’s tone was more interrogatory than curious.
“Not really, Space Wolf, it’s merely what I would have done.”
“It doesn’t matter how they got there, that’s where they went and that’s where we’re going,” Ragnar stated.
“I think not, Wolfblade Ragnar. My men will handle this from here,” Cadmus countered.
“Fortunately we don’t take our orders from you Commander Cadmus,” Ragnar retorted.
“Of course, I would never dream of giving you or any of your fellow Wolfblade orders. I was merely assuming that you would wish to search the palace to ensure that no other kill teams were present to endanger the life of Lady Gabriella. She was undoubtedly their target. However, my men will endeavour to fill your shoes in your absence.”
Ragnar wanted nothing more than to simply reach out and remove the arrogant smirk from the commander’s face, but the point he made was undeniable. The Wolfblade were honour-bound to serve House Belisarius, which only made the situation that much more frustrating.
“Of course commander, you are correct.” Ragnar agreed. “The Wolfblade’s place is beside Lady Gabriella.”
“We can’t just let them go, Ragnar, we must follow them.” Haegr stated.
“My blood is up as well, my friend, and I too long to finish this fight, but our first duty is to see to Lady Gabriella’s safety.” Ragnar replied.
Torin nodded his head in agreement. Haegr merely snorted his compliance.
Ragnar turned, looking back towards the defence forces, several of whom had started to recover and were leading those still affected to medical personnel. The Administratum building that had been set alight by the plasma fire raged on, fire teams working to bring the blaze under control. It was quite apparent that the Wolfblade was not needed here. Their duty was to locate Gabriella and to ensure that she was safe.
Ragnar moved to leave, heading in the direction of the palace. Torin walked beside him.
“You’ll make a fine politician Ragnar.” Torin said with a grin.
“Great, now I’ve got to take your insults as well.”
“Well, that was a good bit of exercise.” Haegr commented.
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, Haegr.” Torin replied.
“Did you see how those Dark Angels ran when they realised that they faced the mighty Haegr of the Wolfblade?” Haegr continued.
“Yes, I did. You should be most proud of yourself.” Torin quipped.
“I’ve never driven a foe underground before! That’s a first even for me. I can’t wait to tell Magni.”
Ragnar stopped in his tracks. He had sent Magni to alert Commander Cadmus, but he had not been with the defence forces. Where was he?
“Torin…?”
“I’m thinking the same thing, Ragnar.” Torin replied.
Ragnar and Torin broke into a run, heading straight for the palace, both worried that the presence of the Dark Angels was just a distraction.
Ragnar activated his comm.
“Magni. Magni, respond!” There was no reply.
Earlier, Ragnar had felt as if he and the Wolfblade were being manipulated. What if he was right? The role of the Wolfblade was to serve and protect the members of House Belisarius. Although Ragnar always said he was in exile, he knew it was more than that. He knew that Logan Grimnar himself had sent him here. If he had been manipulated he would not only have failed the Wolfblade, he would be failing Logan Grimnar too.
Ragnar’s stomach tightened as they entered the atrium, reaching the steps to the second level instantly. In two bounding leaps he had cleared the stairs, moving to the hall that led to the main conference chambers.
Just as they were about to reach the entrance to the hallway Magni and Gabriella emer
ged, bringing the trio to an abrupt halt.
“Magni, we sent you to alert Commander Cadmus. We expected you to come with him,” Ragnar scolded.
“The comms were down so I went to the command centre but he wasn’t there. He was apparently on a night training mission with his elite regiment,” Magni replied. “I was on my way back, when I ran into Lady Gabriella.”
“Once he had informed me of the situation, I instructed him to assist me,” Gabriella explained.
“Now, why don’t you fill me in on the details to this point?”
Ragnar took a moment to gather his thoughts.
“As you are aware, we discovered a small team of Astartes attempting to move through the palace compound.”
“Dark Angels, Lady Gabriella,” Haegr interrupted.
Torin placed his hand on Haegr’s shoulder.
“Sorry, Ragnar,” Haegr apologised.
Ragnar nodded his acceptance and continued.
“We began to stalk the Dark Angels through the parade ground when they fired upon us.”
“They opened fire on you!” Gabriella’s shock was undeniable.
“Yes, it was after that that we moved to engage them. During this engagement Cadmus and the planetary defence forces were able to surround our position, cutting off their escape route, or so we believed.” Ragnar paused.
“So they managed to escape?” Gabriella asked.
“Yes, Lady Gabriella. Using Blind grenades, giving them just enough time to blow open an access point into the abandoned mines below the city,” Torin replied.
[Space Wolf 05] - Sons of Fenris Page 9
